Global crises emerge as water scarcity hits Brazil and Ebola spreads in DR Congo

Global humanitarian concerns are rising due to simultaneous water scarcity crises and a rapid Ebola outbreak. In Brazil, water security has become a critical issue as the United Nations warns of a “global water bankruptcy.” In São Paulo, reservoir levels have declined for three consecutive years, with the Cantareira system operating in an alert phase. Regulatory agencies have implemented scarcity protocols, including pressure reduction in pipelines, to manage the shortage. Other Brazilian states, including Bahia, Paraíba, Minas Gerais, and Ceará, also faced emergency water situations in 2025.

Concurrently, the Democratic Republic of the Congo is facing an unprecedented Ebola outbreak. The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a “unique” speed of contagion that threatens to cross borders, moving from mining areas into large urban centers such as Ituri, North Kivu, Kisangani, and Haut-Uele. WHO representative Anne Ancia noted that the response capacity must be tripled to keep pace with the virus. The outbreak is compounded by existing challenges in the region, including chronic hunger, lack of potable water, and the prevalence of malaria, HIV, and tuberculosis.